Overview
- The Senate Constitution Committee was called to resume debate at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, with the outcome uncertain because the 12-member panel is evenly split and needs seven Senators for quorum.
- Jorge Nieto says a preagreement to approve the 20 points supported by the Chamber of Deputies was discarded by a 'high authority' in the Government, returning negotiations to square one.
- The Executive narrowed an original request of 66 items to 20 priority points and cut the delegation period from 120 days to 90 days to focus on Fenómeno El Niño response and public security.
- Opposition walkouts on Oct. 15 left the committee without quorum and made attendance a decisive tactic that could block approval or force further bargaining.
- Ministers including Luis Dyer have publicly urged quick approval, arguing the powers would let the government issue fast legislative decrees for relief work and security, and the vote could directly affect regions facing imminent El Niño risks.